ey'

indows that overlooked Manhattan, the city lights twinkling like

n seated behind

ithout looking u

s. She was burning up now, her small body trembling with fever.

, finally raising those

This is my da

wledge Lily's e

nty-

ment hi

g assistant at Morrison & Asso

ir

it like a

hy

vances. When I refused, he fired me an

nge. "So you're unemployed, b

my c

how l

t mon

a homeless, unemployed single mother with no resources, no prospects, and a sick child. You'

placed to cut deepest. I felt tears

es

k you're qualified f

I'm desperate, and desperate p

ng flickered in his eyes. I

You would accompany me to events, act as my girlfriend in p

ka

as I dictate, speak as I dictate, and behave as I dictate. Any deviation f

ervant, not a girlfriend. But Lily stirre

derst

tigate your past, your family, your failures. They will find e

n't c

ere you'll be surrounded by people who have more money than you'll ever

n do

sonal life. No contact with friend

ve friends

ight have been sympathy crossed his features. Bu

red thousand dollars, paid at the en

lion dollars. Enough for Lil

hat if I don't make i

ou get

everything I'd endure, if I broke or quit or failed t

his arrangement would include physical intimacy when required for

ed. "What does th

vents. Share my bed when we travel." His eyes were cold, calculating. "

priva

ber that this is a business

She was so sick, so fragile. Without that surgery, she w

time t

up with fever, you have nothing to your name, you're li

erious. That you'll actu

illion dollars. Five hundred

pay me some

rned, not given. And you, Riley Plia, h

wenty-four hours. I'll give you

ve ho

nty-

across his massive desk.

u walk out that door, this offer disappears f

eld it out. When I reached for it, his finger

" he said quietly. "I don't

heavy in my arms, I felt his eyes on m

ecide if I was brave enough